"Count of Monte-Cristo, we must first rescue the child."
He took a long rope and bound it round Spero's waist. Then he let the boy gently over the parapet.
"Papa," came Spero's voice from below, "I am safe."
The stranger pulled the rope up anew, and said as he turned to the count:
"It is your turn now."
"But you?"
"Oh, never mind me; in case of necessity I will jump off. But be quick, we have no time to lose."
Monte-Cristo grasped the cord and was let down by the stranger. Looking up, he saw his rescuer sliding down the wall. As soon as he had touched the ground, the count went to him and, shaking him by the hand, said:
"You have saved my life, sir, and that of my son. Tell me your name, please, that I may know to whom I owe our rescue."